WESTERLY, R.I. — Health officials have issued a boil water notice in Westerly, Rhode Island after E. coli bacteria was found in the water supply.
The state Department of Health said Wednesday that water customers should boil water used for human consumption — including drinking and cooking — for at least one minute.
Customers can also use bottled water.
E.coli is bacteria that signal the presence of fecal matter.
It was detected in a routine sample taken on Monday.
E.coli can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms.
The bacteria poses an increased health risk for infants, young children, the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems.
Even with the boil-water advisory in place, all Westerly Public Schools will remain open on Thursday, CBS affiliate WPRI reports.
Resident Courtney Capizzano said she ran out to the store for bottled water immediately following the boil water order.
"We have dogs at home, babies at home.